The IRS is unlikely to answer even half the telephone calls it receives, and levels of service may average as low as 43%.

Taxpayers who manage to get through are expected to wait on hold for 30 minutes on average and considerably longer at peak times.

The IRS will answer far fewer tax-law questions than in past years. During the upcoming filing season, it will not answer any tax-law questions except “basic” ones. After the filing season, it will not answer any tax-law questions at all, leaving the roughly 15 million taxpayers who file later in the year unable to get answers to their questions by calling or visiting IRS offices.

Tax return preparation assistance has been eliminated.

Clearly, the value that a tax expert adds this year is even higher than it has been in the past. Taxpayers will have a very difficult time reaching the agency.

(the above was reprinted from an article addressed in the National Association of Enrolled Agents member newsletter)

As an Enrolled Agent, our firm is uniquely experienced to assist you in all areas of tax filing. Please let us know how we can help.

U.S. tax law is an ever-changing set of rules and regulations with varying implications depending on the individual or business tax situation. Regardless of tax law complexity, YOU as a taxpayer, are ultimately responsible for accurate reporting and payment of your tax obligation. Things to consider in hiring a tax professional:

Did you know that only an Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney can represent you before the IRS ? (these are all Federally or State licensed professionals)

Did you know that an unlicensed tax preparer has little or no regulatory requirements regarding ethics or education?

Did you know that self-prepared returns through tax software programs or online services do not protect you if there were errors due to incorrect input of information – intentional or not?

Would you know who to call if you receive ANY type of State or Federal tax notice?

Enrolled Agents are tax practitioners licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), EAs are governed by Treasury Circular 230 in their practice before the IRS.

Education – The requirement for an Enrolled Agent is 30 hours of CPE (continuing professional education) annually. Linda averages 150 hours of CPE per year.

Ethics – In accordance with IRS requirements, Enrolled Agents must earn at least 2 hours of CPEs in Ethics during each calendar year.

Experience – Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all EAs specialize in taxation and can represent taxpayers from any state. Linda has over 30 years in taxation study and practice.